Ronnie Mann vs. Josh Arocho targeted for Bellator 40 on April 9

Former World Victory Road featherweight standout Ronnie Mann (18-2-1 MMA, 0-0 BFC) will make his Bellator Fighting Championships debut on April 9.

MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has learned from sources close to the fighters that Mann and Josh Arocho (13-9 MMA, 0-0 BFC) have verbally agreed to meet at Bellator 40. Bout agreements are expected to be finalized shortly.

Featuring welterweight champion Ben Askren in a non-title contest with Nick Thompson, Bellator 40 takes place April 9 at First Council Casino in Newkirk, Okla.

At 17 years old, the U.K.-based Mann made his pro MMA debut and went undefeated over his first 12 fights. The former Cage Gladiators champion is 7-1 over his past eight fights, and the lone loss came to eventual tourney finalist Hatsu Hioki in World Victory Road’s 2009 featherweight grand prix.

Eleven of his 18 career wins have come via submission.

Meanwhile, Arocho has been fighting professionally since 2005. Despite opening his career with three consecutive defeats – including losses to tough competition in Clay French and Alvin Robinson – Arocho has since righted the ship and is currently riding a five-fight win streak. Four of the victories have come via first-round submission.

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